Former Rumsonite, Robert “Bob” Xavier Kelleher, of Little Silver, “beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend,” passed away on May 24. He was 86. 

Born in Queens, NY on Dec. 3, 1936, as the youngest of six children, Bob grew up there and graduated from John Adams High School. He then went on to graduate from St. Francis College in Brooklyn with a bachelor’s degree in Business. 

At 23, Bob married Carol Lynch. The couple settled in Hauppauge, Long Island, where they raised their four children: Robert, Karen, Mary, and Jane.

“Bob worked for the Long Island Lighting Company for 39 years, retiring in 1999 as Senior Vice President of Human Resources. He was a dedicated employee, a skilled mediator, and was committed to equity in his role as negotiator between the union and management. Bob was well-respected and appreciated by those who had the privilege of working with him. In retirement, Bob and Carol enjoyed traveling with family and friends. Bob had a lifelong love of learning, continuing his education in retirement at NYU and Fordham University. He regularly took the train to NYC for classes and to take long walks through his favorite neighborhoods. In 2000, Bob and Carol moved to Rumson to be closer to their children and grandchildren. Bob remained a New York fan, rooting for the Yankees and Giants throughout his years. Bob loved to read and is remembered by family and friends for his
keen intellect, sense of humor, and warm heart.”

Loved ones of Bob Kelleher in his obituary

Bob is preceded in death by his beloved son, Robert Kelleher Jr. and grandson, Thomas Kelleher.

Bob is survived by: his wife of 62 years, Carol; his daughter-in-law Denise; his daughter, Karen and her husband, Sven; his daughter, Mary and her husband, Alex; his daughter, Jane and her husband, Brendan; and his grandchildren, Patrick, Katy, Molly, Megan, Emily, Jack, Chris, August, Owen, and Olivia.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 30, from 4 to 7p.m. at John E. Day Funeral Home, Red Bank. A funeral service will be held at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Rumson at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 31. Interment to immediately follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Middletown.  

— Edited obituary prepared by family via John E. Day Funeral Home

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